‘Lawin’ weakens but still threatens Batanes

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon “Lawin” has weakened but still threatens northern Batanes, weather bureau PAGASA said on Thursday, September 27.

In its 5 pm bulletin, PAGASA noted that as of 4 pm Lawin (international codename: Jelawat) was located 210 East of Basco, Batanes (20.5°N, 124.3°E), with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 220 km/h.

The typhoon is moving Northwest at 13 km/h and by Friday morning will be 270 km North of Basco.

Public storm warning signal #3 (101-185 km/h winds) is still hoisted over the Batanes groups of islands, where moderate damage to agriculture can be expected, especially rice and corn crops.

The winds may also cause uprooting of some large trees.

Partial or total unroofing of houses made from light materials (nipa, cogon, old galvanized iron roofing) is possible and sea travel of all types is risky, the weather bureau warned.

Storm signal #2 (60-100 km/h winds) applies to Cagayan, including the Calayan and Babuyan groups of islands.

PAGASA alerted residents living in coastal areas under storm signals #3 & #2 against big waves or storm surges generated by Lawin.

Storm signal #1 (30-60 km/h winds) is in place for Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra and Isabela.

Heavy to intense rainfall (10-25 mm/h) is expected within the 750 km diameter of the typhoon, which will move just off eastern Taiwan over the weekend.

Here is PAGASA’s latest severe weather report on Lawin:

TCW#3 September 27

– Rappler.com